The Chief of the United States Border Patrol, Jason Owens, recently shared on X (formerly known as Twitter) that a smuggling attempt involving heroin was successfully thwarted by agents in Indio, California. He emphasized the need for advanced technology to aid agents and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol officials in continuing their efforts against drug trafficking.
Owens stated, "12/19: USBP agents in Indio, CA interdicted ~9.6 lbs. of #Heroin hidden in an engine! One example of the many concealment methods used by smugglers to bring deadly narcotics into our country. Our USBP agents & CBP officers need the right technology & equipment to be successful."
This bust follows a significant methamphetamine seizure made by El Centro Sector Border Patrol Agents in August. According to a news release from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), agents arrested a Mexican citizen who was attempting to smuggle meth through an immigration checkpoint in a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe during the early hours of August 25th. The agents at the Highway 86 checkpoint noted that the driver appeared "nervous" and directed him towards a secondary inspection.
As per the CBP news release, eight aluminum-wrapped packages were discovered in the rear cargo area of the sedan after a canine team alerted agents to something suspicious within the vehicle. The contents of these packages tested positive for methamphetamine.
Chief Patrol Agent Gregory Bovino praised the efforts of his team saying, "Good job to the Indio Agents for not allowing these toxic drugs to hit the street in the first place," He added, "This is yet another prime example of how robust, forward leaning border security halts dangerous people and things before they can kill and maim Americans."
The drug bust resulted in seizing 157.3 pounds of methamphetamine with an estimated street value of $236,000 as per the media release. A 33-year-old American citizen was arrested in connection with the bust and handed over to officials from the Drug Enforcement Administration for prosecution.
